Job Vacancies at United Nations (UN) Women

Freetown, Sierra Leone Posted 4 years ago Posted on Driving / Haulage, NGO / Community Services, Project Management

UN Women is recruiting to fill the following positions:

1.) Women's Political Participation Senior Expert
2.) Driver
3.) Programme Officer

See job details and how to apply below.

1.) Women's Political Participation Senior Expert

Background

UN-Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security.

Women's leadership and political participation is one of UN-Women's primary areas of work as mandated in its inception, recognizing the integral role of women in strong and stable democratic processes. Through its Leadership and Governance section, UN-Women works to implement Output 4 of the Entity's Strategic Plan 2018-21 "More women of all ages fully participate, lead and engage in political institutions and processes".

To promote the leadership and participation of women in all levels of decision-making processes, UN-Women works with a range of stakeholders including women leaders and aspiring candidates, national parliaments and parliamentarians, political parties, media, civil society organizations, and electoral management bodies, in coordination with UN partner Entities, through a wide range of interventions which include: i) support gender responsive legal reforms, and institutional processes to advance women's participation and representation (including initiatives to address violence against women in politics); ii) build capacities of women leaders and aspiring candidates; iii) promote change of gender norms through advocacy and outreach initiatives targeting communities, political leaders and the media; iv) and support women leaders in gender responsive political institutions.

In Sierra Leone, women represent today only 12.3% of the parliament while they make 52% of the voters and 50.8% of the population. Women's organisations have indeed been challenging existing barriers to women's political participation through nationwide activism, advocacy and other social norm change actions including engagement of communities and male authorities. However, Parliament has yet to respond to their demand for a 30% women's representation quota at various levels of leadership since no legislated or voluntary quotas are in place. However, the 2004 Local Government Act provides that the Ward Committees shall consist of 5 women and 5 men (Article 95 (2: c).

In March 2023, voters across Sierra Leone will cast ballots again for president, parliament, local councils and mayors in a general election widely seen as a crucial opportunity to increase women's situation in terms of political representation and participation.UN-Women in Sierra Leone is seeking to undertake targeted interventions to increase women's representation in decision making at all levels within the current electoral cycle in coordination with national institutions, UN partners and civil society.

Duties and Responsibilities

SCOPE OF WORK: Under the direct supervision of the Country Representative, the Consultant will work with the UN Women team to develop and rollout a road map on women's political participation in alignment with the recommendations of the recent UN electoral Needs Assessment mission, and in partnership with UN Women partners' on the ground, particularly women's groups and networks currently advocating for legal and policy reforms including temporary special measures to increase women's political participation

MAIN TASKS: Under this assignment, the Senior National Consultant will be responsible to undertake the following duties:

Summary of Key Functions:

Programme design and implementation:

Produce a mapping of existing women coalition and networks and ongoing initiatives in Sierra leone including regional coalitions and lesson learned.
Lead the coordination of multi-stakeholder consultations on electoral law reform
Oversee the roll-out and implementation of a women's political participation project in close coordination and as agreed with the government, partners, and United Nations Country Team, particularly with UNDP
Ensure results-based monitoring and reporting

Technical support

gender mainstreaming into UN programming on elections

Support UN coordinated advocacy, within the context of ongoing legal and policy reforms to promote women's electoral and political participation and leadership, including prevention of Violence Against Women in Politics.
Participate in the different coordination meetings around women's political participation and leadership.
Participate in the formulation UN joint programming and ensure specific interventions targeting women with adequate resources.

Establish coordination with national partners and other stakeholders and networks

Identify potential national and international partners and existing coalition and networks
Develop a coordination matrix and lead the coordination meetings
Liaise with the donor community and ensure regular and businesslike communication
Identify potential programmatic areas of cooperation
Research opportunities and avenues for expanding resource mobilization partnerships, including through existing capacities of networks, government, the private sector in Sierra Leone and donor community to fund the programme.

Summary of Deliverables:

Finalise project documents and roll out a Women's Political Participation work plan and deliverables
Communications and advocacy strategy to transform gender norms, to sensitize the media and electorate on the need for women in public life developed and coordinated
Matrix of coordination
Preparation of a comprehensive handover note upon completion of consultancy that includes context and programme/policy recommendations, including status report on all tasks and deliverables and any other relevant information (including briefing notes on the consultations conducted with national and international partners)

Duration of the Assignment: The total duration of this assignment is initially 8 months starting on May 2021.

Contributions: UN Women will put at the disposal of selected individuals all available materials and necessary information for tasks achievement and will facilitate the meetings and discussions, as needed. During assignment's related missions, the Consultants may use the facilities of the office (i.e., internet access, printing, copying, local phone calls, including office laptop etc.). However, he or she is expected to use his/her own personal computer for nor office related matters.

Performance evaluation: Performance will be evaluated against such criteria as: timeliness, responsibility, initiative, communication, accuracy, and quality of the products delivered.

Financial arrangements: Payment will be disbursed in installments upon the satisfactory submission of the deliverables

Competencies

Core Values:

Respect for Diversity
Integrity
Professionalism

Core Competencies: Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues

Accountability
Creative Problem Solving
Effective Communication
Inclusive Collaboration
Stakeholder Engagement
Leading by Example

Core Values and Guiding Principles

Demonstrates integrity by modeling UN Women values and ethical standards.

Demonstrates a commitment to UN Women's mission and vision.
Able to work effectively within a team.
Displays cultural and gender sensitivity and adaptability.
Able to multi-task and juggle competing demands.
Can assess and prioritize work needs quickly.
Able to relate to external partners, including other international organizations and agencies, NGOs, grassroots community groups, etc.

Functional Competencies

Good knowledge of gender equality and women's empowerment, including women's political participation
Good organizational skills and ability to pay close attention to detail.
Good communication skills.
Demonstrated leadership and personal examples of promoting knowledge management and a professional learning environment.
Outstanding networking, team building, organizational and communication skills.
Capacity to work with diverse partners including governments, donors, and civil society.
Ability to use Microsoft word, excel, e-mail, web-based applications, and databases.
Ability to work effectively and harmoniously with people from varied cultures and professional backgrounds.
Results based management skills.
In-depth knowledge of development issues.
Ability to advocate and provide policy advice.
Ability in strategic planning, results-based management, and reporting.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Gender Studies, Law, Political Science, Sociology, International Relations, Law-related fields, and equivalent practical experiences.

Experience:

A minimum of 8 years (Master's degree) relevant work experience in the field of gender equality and women's political empowerment, including proven experience integrating gender equality and electoral cycle.
Experience working with multi-stakeholder organizations is essential: governments, CSOs, and the UN/ multilateral/bilateral institutions.
Substantive experience in women's leadership and participation.
Experience in programme design and results-based management.
Experience with UN electoral assistance processes
Experience in working in a multicultural environment.
Sound knowledge of international standards on human rights, women's rights and related instruments.
Experience working with multi-stakeholder organizations is essential: governments, CSOs, and the UN/ multilateral/bilateral institutions.

Language:

Fluency in oral and written English is required.
Working knowledge of other UN languages is an asset.

How to Apply

Qualified and interested individuals should click on the button below to apply.

2.) Driver

Background

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security.

The Driver provides reliable and safe driving services to authorized personnel and other high-ranking UN officials and visitors ensuring the highest standards of discretion and integrity, sense of responsibility, and excellent knowledge of protocol and security issues. The Driver also demonstrates a client-oriented approach, courtesy, confidentiality, tact and ability to work with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.

The Driver can also be required to provide driving services to the operations and programme staff in the Office, consultants and experts and UN staff on mission. The Driver will provide basic administrative and clerical support to the UN Women Liberia Country Office.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provide reliable and secure driving services

Drive office vehicles for the transport of authorized personnel.
Deliver and collect mail, documents and other items to Government - Offices/Embassies/Commercial Establishments/ UN Offices.
Meet official personnel and visitors at the airport, including visa and customs formalities arrangements when required;
Verify that all passengers wear seatbelts at all times in the vehicle.
Ensure all immediate actions required by rules and regulations are taken in case of involvement in accidents.
Ensure vehicle comply with the Minimum Operating Security Standards (MOSS).

2. Provide proper use of vehicle

Ensure cost-saving by driving responsibly;
Maintain daily vehicle logs, daily mileage, gas consumption, oil change, servicing, greasing, repairs;
Provide inputs to preparation of the vehicle maintenance plans and reports.

3. Provide day to day maintenance of the assigned vehicle

Ensure that the official vehicle is kept clean and is always in good working condition;
Make minor repairs and make arrangements for major repairs;
Change oil, check tires, lights horn, clutch and brakes and wash car regularly;
Ensure that vehicles comply with Minimum Operating Security Standards (MOSS).

4. Maintain and ensure availability of all required documents/supplies

Maintain and ensure availability of all required documents/supplies including vehicle insurance, vehicle logs, office directory, and map of the city/country, first aid kit, and necessary spare parts in the assigned vehicle;
Ensure that all immediate actions required by rules and regulations are taken in case of involvement in accidents.

5. Provide general administrative and logistic support as needed

Assist in the mailing and distribution of publications and payments of bills, as required.

Key Performance Indicators

Quality and timely driving services; safe and on-time
Quality care and maintenance of vehicle
Timely inputs to logs and records

Competencies

Core Values:

Respect for Diversity
Integrity
Professionalism

Core Competencies:

Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues
Accountability
Creative Problem Solving
Effective Communication
Inclusive Collaboration
Leading by Example

Functional Competencies

Excellent driving skills;
Good knowledge of driving rules and regulations, local roads and conditions;
Good defensive driving skills;
Skills in minor vehicle repairs;
Ability to be on time.

Knowledge & Skills:

Knowledge of driving rules and regulations, chauffeur protocol and courtesies, local roads/waterways and conditions, and security issues.
Knowledge of the vehicle loading capacity and other parameters
Knowledge of safety standards and safety equipment (e.g. fire extinguishers, buoyant wearable safety devices, etc.).
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Basic skills to assist in case of emergency; knowledge of first aid basic methods.
Knowledge and ability to use radio, email, telephone and other applications.
Ability to assess vehicles for mechanical fitness and skills in minor vehicle repairs.
Ability to demonstrate a client-oriented approach, high sense of responsibility, courtesy and tact;

Required Skills and Experience

Education and certification:

Completion of secondary education is required;
Valid driver's license is required.

Experience:

At least 2 years of experience as a driver in an international organization, embassy or UN system with a safe driving record

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English is required
Knowledge of the other UN official working language is an asset.

How to Apply

Qualified and interested individuals should click on the button below to apply.

3.) Programme Officer, Gender, Economic Development and Social Protection

Background

UN Women is recognized in the country as an expert in advancing the implementation of gender related global norms and standards through strengthening the national gender machineries (working with the Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs), the parliament, the justice mechanisms (the Judiciary, Ministry of Justice); the police, the military as well as with traditional leadership institutions.

Partnership with traditional leadership mechanisms particularly with all categories of the institution of chiefs and religious leaders has brought into focus the critical role in play in addressing harmful traditional practices to supporting the protection of the rights of women in a transformative gender perspective. UN Women's portfolio in Sierra Leone is inclusive of the following flagship programmes:

Women's Leadership in governance and political participation.
Ending Violence Against Women.
Women in Peace, Security & Humanitarian Action.
Women's Economic empowerment.

Reporting to the Head of Office, the Programme Officer exercises overall responsibility for planning, implementing, and managing UN Women interventions under their portfolio, especially women's economic empowerment and social protection against SGBV and epidemics, supporting all other work when and as needed. The Programme Officer works in close collaboration with the programme and operations team, UN Women WCAR and HQ staff, Government officials, multi and bi-lateral donors and civil society ensuring successful UN Women programme implementation under portfolio and as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Design and develop programme strategies in the area of women's economic development and social protection against SGBV and epidemics

Design and formulate programmes/ project proposals and initiatives;
Draft inputs to country strategy documents, briefs, policy dialogue and other documents related to women's economic development and social protection (ending violence against women, responding to epidemics).

2. Lead the implementation, management and communication of the women's economic development social protection against SGBV and epidemics programmes/projects

Finalize the annual workplan and budget and manage their implementation;
Manage the technical implementation of the programmes/projects; ensure synergies with other teams;
Manage the submission of implementing partner financial and narrative reports;
Provide guidance to staff and partners on Results Based Management tools and performance indicators;
Organize Project Steering Committee, project review and/or evaluation meetings, as needed;
Organize and ensure a vital, thoughtful, and successful communication in the areas.

3. Manage technical assistance and capacity development to project/programme partners

Manage the implementation of technical advice and guidance. Develop and implement technical tools, and initiatives
Build and manage relationships with national partners to support implementation and expansion of women's economic development and social protection programmes;
Respond to any potential problems;
Identify capacity building needs of partners and lead the coordination of technical assistance, mentoring, training and capacity development initiatives to partners.

4. Manage the monitoring and reporting of the programmes/ projects

Manage the monitoring of programme/ project implementation and finances using results based management tools;
Oversee field missions and review reports on monitoring missions;
Write quarterly reports and donor reports, focusing on results, output and outcomes;
Contribute to office donor and UN Women reports.
Contribute to the office's operational communication.

5. Manage the people and financial resources of the women's economic development and social protection against SGBV and epidemics

Manage the programme budget and draft financial reports;
Supervise Programme Analysts and Technical Specialists;
Mentor and coach staff and conduct performance assessments;
Oversee recruitment processes, as necessary.

6. Build partnerships and support in developing resource mobilization strategies

Develop and implement partnerships and resource mobilization strategies;
Finalize relevant documentation on donors and potential opportunities for resource mobilization;
Analyze and research information on donors, prepare substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation, identification of opportunities for cost sharing.

7. Contribute to inter-agency coordination on women's economic development and social protection against SGBV and epidemics to achieve coherence and alignment of UN Women programmes with other partners in Sierra Leone

Provide technical support to the Head of Office and to the Program Coordinator on inter-agency coordination related activities by attending meetings, events, and participating in groups and committees as needed;
Coordinate with other UN agencies, government departments, donors, and NGOs to ensure the projects' capacity development programme is harmonized and aligned with other in-country efforts.
Initiate, take the lead and participate in joint initiatives to mobilize resources, build knowledge and partnership meaningful to the country portfolio in general, and particular for women's economic development and ending violence against women.

8. Manage advocacy, knowledge building and communication efforts

Develop and review background documents, briefs and presentations related to the women's economic development and social protection against SGBV and epidemics;
Represent UN Women in meetings and policy dialogues on issues related to women's economic development and social protection against SGBV and epidemics as necessary;
Develop advocacy strategies and oversee their implementation;
Identify best practices and lessons learned to guide programme improvement and strategy planning;

Develop knowledge management strategies, products, and methodologies on women's economic development and social protection against SGBV and epidemics.

Key Performance Indicators:

Timely and quality programme design and inputs to Strategic Note
Timely and quality of programme delivery in line with budget and workplans, and in line with all UN Women operational rules and regulations, including security
Timely and quality monitoring and evaluation of programmes
Relations with partners and stakeholders
Quality donor relations cultivation
Quality reports and timely submission
Sustainable resource mobilization
Regular communication with other agencies and partners
Quality of advocacy and communication initiatives
Quality joint partnership

Competencies

Core Values:

Respect for Diversity
Integrity
Professionalism

Core Competencies:

Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues
Accountability
Creative Problem Solving
Effective Communication
Inclusive Collaboration
Stakeholder Engagement
Leading by Example

Functional Competencies

Strong programme formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation skills
Strong knowledge of Results Based Management
Ability to synthesize program performance data and produce analytical reports to inform management and strategic decision-making
Strong knowledge of women's economic development and ending violence against women
Strong analytical skills
Ability to identify and analyze trends, opportunities and threats to fundraising and develop strategies

Required Skills and Experience

Education and certification:

Master's degree or equivalent in social sciences, human rights, gender/women's studies, international development, or a related field is required
A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
A project/programme management certification would be an added advantage

Experience:

At least 5 years of progressively responsible work experience at the national or international level in design, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development projects;
Technical experience in women's economic development and social protection (ending violence against women, fighting epidemics, etc.);
Experience coordinating and liaising with government agencies and/or donors is an asset;
Experience working in the UN System is an asset;
Experience in leading/managing a team is an asset.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English and Krio is required;
Knowledge of other Sierra Leonean languages is an asset;
Working knowledge of French is an asset.

How to Apply

Qualified and interested individuals should click on the button below to apply.